CHINA is known for its beautiful natural resources and magnificent scenery. Here are more magnificent river scenes which are worth visiting with family members and friends.First Bend of Nujiang River,

    Yunnan Province

    The Nujiang River is one of the most important rivers in China, flowing from north to south. It has its source on the southern slope of the Tanggula Mountain Range in Tibet, flowing across Tibet and Yunnan Province.

    The name of the river changes to the Salween River after flowing into Myanmar from China.

    The upper reaches of the river are known as the Naqu River in Tibetan. When it flows into Yunnan Province, it makes an abrupt hairpin turn at the Wangjing Cliff near Bingzhongluozidang Village, making the Biluo Snow Mountain a beautiful peninsula lying by the peaceful river.

    The Nujiang River area is also worth visiting. With picturesque lofty mountains, virgin forests, river rapids and snowscapes in spring and winter, the Nujiang River Gorge is the most spectacular and breathtaking scene in the province.

    Other recommended attractions include Stone Moon and Dulong Gorge.

    It is also an ideal place to experience the traditional Tibetan lifestyle and culture.

    Transport: Fly to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, and take a bus to the village.

    Qingjiang River Art Gallery,

    Hubei Province

    With a total length of 425 kilometers, the Qingjiang River winds its way from west to east just like a bright pearl on the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

    It originates in Lichuan, Hubei Province and joins the Yangtze River in the city of Zhecheng. It is named Qingjiang (Clear River) because the water in the river is so clear it can be used as a mirror. The old saying goes that the 800-li (a unit of length equal to 0.5 kilometer) Qingjiang River is as beautiful as a painting.

    The Qingjiang River Art Gallery is located in Changyang County, Yichang City. It includes all the scenic spots between Geheyan Dam and Yanchi Spring along the Qingjiang River. It has been praised as lyrical as poetry, graceful songs and pleasant paintings. There are peaks covered with dense forests on both banks in the area.

    Recommended attractions include Baidao Lake (Hundred Islands Lake), Geheyan Dam, Wuluo Mountain, Zhongli Mountain, Xianren Cave and Chuangtan Beach.

    Transport: Fly to Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, and take a coach to Yichang.

    Lancang River,

    Yunnan Province

    The Lancang River is the upper reach of the Mekong River and is the longest river flowing from north to south in China. It originates at Tanggula Mountain in Tibet and flows through Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.

    The river is famous for its exotic botanical resources. Due to the particular climates and geographical conditions the Lancang River flows through, the Lancang River and Mekong River system contains the world’s most abundant ecological system of freshwater fish. In the whole area, there are over 1,700 varieties of fish, and the fish diversity ranks only second to that of the Amazon River basin. In 2000, the Lancang-Mekong River Basin was identified as the most important freshwater fish ecological region by the World Wildlife Fund.

    The section in Yunnan Province also features charming scenery and rich ethnic cultures. Cruises along the Lancang River normally consists of two sections. The first section is from Jinghong to Tiger Leaping Rock, which boasts turbulent water, a variety of scenery, peculiar peaks, jagged rocks and various plants and landscapes while the second section features tropical sights and the unique culture and lifestyle of the Dai ethnic group.

    Transport: Fly to Kunming from Shenzhen airport and take a train to Jinghong.

    (Wang Yuanyuan)